Iranian Forces Seize Oil Tanker in the Gulf of Oman
In a recent development, Iranian forces have seized an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel, previously involved in a dispute between Iran and the United States, was boarded by “unauthorized” men in military uniforms, as reported by Iranian state media, citing the country’s navy. The tanker, now named the St. Nikolas, was tracked heading towards the port of Bandar-e Jask in Iran.
This incident is believed to be a retaliation for a previous U.S. action against the tanker when 1 million barrels of Iranian crude oil were seized. It comes amidst a series of attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran, on shipping in the Red Sea. These attacks have raised concerns of possible retaliatory strikes by U.S.-led forces patrolling the Strait of Hormuz.
According to reports, the tanker was boarded by armed men wearing black military-style uniforms and masks. The vessel, previously known as the Suez Rajan and associated with the Greek shipping company Empire Navigation, had been suspected of carrying oil from Iran’s Khargh Island, its main oil distribution terminal, based on satellite photos and shipping data.
The incident is particularly worrying as it follows a series of ship seizures by Iran since the collapse of the Iran nuclear deal in waters around the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, the Houthis’ targeting of ships in the Red Sea, which they claim is in response to Israel’s war on Hamas in Gaza, adds to the escalating tensions in the region.
In a separate development, satellite tracking data revealed that an Iranian cargo vessel suspected of being a spying platform, the Behshad, has left the Red Sea and entered the Gulf of Aden. This further highlights the complex and volatile situation in the area.
As of now, the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet, responsible for patrolling the Mideast, has not commented on the incident. The seizure of the oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman serves as a reminder of the escalating tensions in the region and the potential for further retaliation between Iran and the United States. The situation also raises concerns about the safety of shipping in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, with the possibility of retaliatory strikes looming.